Geography and data activity pack
Work from a fictional library dataset to build two maps, check a join and explain how a denominator changes the picture. Allow 35 to 50 minutes.
Downloads
Open the downloaded HTML file in a browser. Fill in the fields, then save an editable copy or print. The worksheet does not send or automatically save your answers.
1. Join four districts to a map
In each grid below, NW is upper left, NE upper right, SW lower left and SE lower right. Join by code. Leave the south-east different from zero and keep the missing value visible. All values and districts in this exercise are fictional.
| Code | Residents | Libraries | Libraries per 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW | 200,000 | 20 | |
| NE | 60,000 | 12 | |
| SW | 80,000 | 8 | |
| SE | 90,000 | Unknown |
2. Draw two maps with different legends
For the count map, mark 0 to 10 as L and 11 or more as H. For the rate map, first calculate libraries ÷ residents × 10,000. Mark rates below 1.5 as L and 1.5 or more as H. Use ? for missing data on both maps. Add a title and explain what moved between categories.
| Count map: west | Count map: east | Rate map: west | Rate map: east |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW: | NE: | NW: | NE: |
| SW: | SE: | SW: | SE: |
3. Check your answers
| Code | Rate per 10,000 | Count class | Rate class |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW | 1 | H | L |
| NE | 2 | H | H |
| SW | 1 | L | L |
| SE | Unknown | ? | ? |
NW has more libraries than NE but half the rate. NW and SW share a rate while having different counts. The SE population alone gives no library rate. Either map can answer a different question: the count helps discuss the number of buildings, while the rate compares provision relative to the population.
4. Try one change
Suppose NW keeps 20 libraries but its population falls to 100,000. Predict which class changes. Recalculate: the rate becomes 2 and moves to H. The count stays 20 and remains H. For a real map, explain what the figures still say nothing about, such as opening hours or journey times.
Response fields
- Write your two captions
- Name one limitation and a source you could check